The Finnish art prize Below Zero to be awarded for the second time

The contemporary art prize Below Zero is awarded for the second time. The unique contemporary art prize is awarded for a Finnish or Finland-based artist emerging on the international scene. Below Zero Finnish Art Prize is awarded by Beaconsfield Gallery Vauxhall and the Finnish Institute in London.

“We are proud to be able to award this prize for the second time. The continuance enhances its prestige. We are hoping to establish Below Zero as a permanent art prize,” says the Director of the Finnish Institute in London, Emilie Gardberg.

For 2020 the Below Zero Finnish art prize offers a substantial production award worth up to £15,000. This includes mentoring, material costs, one month’s residency in London and an exhibition at Beaconsfield Gallery in Vauxhall, London.

“Below Zero gives a Finnish artist a chance to show their work in one of the world’s most electrifying contemporary art scenes”, says Jaakko Nousiainen, Head of Art and Culture Programme from the Finnish Institute in London.

The jury includes curator Hannele Tilles and representatives from Beaconsfield Gallery and The Finnish Institute in London. This year they will be joined by a guest juror, curator Taru Elfving.

“We are excited to build on the success of the inaugural commission. We’re also delighted to be working again with our Below Zero partners together with Taru Elfving, with whom we share many ethical interests”, says Naomi Siderfin, Director of Beaconsfield Gallery.

The deadline for this year’s applications is at midnight (Finnish time) on Sunday 4 August. The theme for this year’s prize is ‘Resilient Futures’ The winner of the first Below Zero Award in 2017 was Finnish artist Jonna Kina.